Josephine is the most amazing waitress. We make sure we come back just to see her. Talk about a professional that knows the menu and helps guide you to the perfect meal. Chefs kiss. Dinner is always a treat here. Our favorite place to eat! read more

Lianna is the sweetest and kindest. She made us feel like we're at home. The food was amazing but we'll be back just for her. The ambience was a chill vibe and food was excellent. read more

Cruz was incredible. He was knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely patient, and he made our entire experience so much better. He even stopped by our table just to chat and spent real, quality time with us, which we really appreciated. The service was fast, attentive, and overall amazing. If you come here, you have to ask for Cruz, he really elevates the experience. We ordered the steak, ribs, and chopped salad, and everything was fantastic. We already love this place, but Cruz made it at least ten times better. read more

The food at Basta is great, but I am writing today to tout Manny the bartender as the premier Martini-Master of the Conejo Valley--possibly the San Fernando Valley as well. Heck--maybe the world. You may score a trough of Vodka from a well-known steak house and a half-price buzz at happy hour certainly has its place, but for a work of art that tastes and feels divine, you won't find better than one from Manny at Basta. I think it's the way he shakes it that makes the tiny slivers of ice permeate the liquid and cool the throat all the way down. You can see them on the top of your glass, shimmering like diamonds. My order is filthy with two blue cheese olives. You'd think the juice and veggies would make it less cold, but no, it's frosty every time. I've tried martinis elsewhere, but now I'm just spoiled, and here is fair warning--no other martini will ever do it for you once you've had this one. I don't even order them anymore--unless I'm at Basta! The bar is crowded enough as it is, so this is truly the sacrifice of a fan-girl. It must be said--there is no Martini like Manny's! read more

josephine is the best host. but everyone here is. it feels like home, and basta makes you feel like home. the food being great is a plus. but it's not just about food. it's an experience. tHank you for being a great interactive caring part of our community read more

My boss was treating my girlfriend and I to dinner to celebrate and we were delighted he chose Basta. We were delighted with the warm reception and nice atmosphere. While there is no reservations, we decided to wait at the bar for a table but just ended up staying at the bar to dine. Their bartender was new to the role but seemed very knowledgeable about their menu. She was efficient with our cocktails, beer, all while also overseeing our dinner and appetizers. We ordered hummus, meatballs to start. The hummus was delicious! We scraped the plate and enjoyed the meatballs as well. They we're generous portions and put a dent in our appetite. For our pastas, I really savored the cavatelli. It's creamy short grain pasta had lovely salty flavor, and in my option outshined my girlfriends tagliatelle. My opinion was confirmed when she asked to switch plates after trying my dish. lol. Overall the dinner was amazing. I'd like to comeback to try more cocktails and their steak plates which is have heard are phenomenal. read more

Basta Restaurant - Cavatelli alla Norcina - Italian Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

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Had a fantastic dinner at Basta after snagging a seat at the bar and settling in next to a chatty, terrific couple of folks. The atmosphere is lively and casual, yet warm and welcoming. A very comfortable restaurant. The bartender, Heather, was friendly and very attentive, handling everyone with a great degree of humor, and always remembering everything thrown at her -- a total pro. I started with a gin martini, which was expertly made, and followed that with Wagyu Carpaccio. Let me tell you, having recently paid a fortune for the "original" carpaccio at Cipriani, this version at Basta was far better tasting and a far more generous portion for less than half the price. The meat was slightly seared at the edges but perfectly pink inside, packed with flavor and tender as could be. A fantastic bite. For my main, I had a pasta dish that's enigmatically named "The Brian Bowen Smith." This is al dente spaghetti in a deeply rich tomato sauce with grilled octopus and bone marrow. Yowza!!! From the texture to the myriad levels of flavor, this is a spectacular dish of pasta, and, again, a huge portion for just $26. It's important to note that the real specialty of the house is large format steaks, up for 4 pounds, and cooked over live fire in the traditional Italian way. I will be coming back soon with a gang so we can jump into the steak -- but go anytime for the pasta, the amazing looking pizzas, and a whole menu of food that calls out your name. A great meal!! read more

Basta Restaurant - The Brian Bowen Smith: spaghetti with rich tomato sauce, grilled octopus and bone marrow. - Italian Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

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I went for my birthday in April and we had a wonderful experience with Lianna as our waitress. She was one of the friendliest waitresses I've ever had. The food was phenomenal. I highly recommend the muscles with bone marrow. The garden ambience was really wonderful as well and we were able to have our toddler there and everyone was very friendly with her. read more

Basta Restaurant - Basta Muscles with Bone Marrow - Italian Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

So good. We loved Saturday lunch and it's much quieter and easier to get seated by day. There's construction out back so the patio isn't that quiet... no biggie inside was a nice option and we didn't have to wait. I craved the grilled octopus salad and it's a rare treat for me. Cooked perfectly over an ample salad. Hubs said his chicken parm was a 9 out of 10. Servers were attentive and it's an overall winner. Heads above many Italian restaurants. Many wait staff members have Italian accents so it's legit. read more

I'm not one to post negative reviews, but this experience felt worth sharing for others considering Basta in Agoura Hills. My intention is not to criticize unfairly, but to provide constructive feedback that could help improve the overall experience. ATMOSPHERE (3 Stars) Basta has a nice, casual interior and a lively atmosphere. The place was busy and packed when we went, which usually feels like a good sign. We sat at the bar and ordered food. THE FOOD (2 Stars) My girlfriend ordered the Pappardelle , and her friend ordered the cavatelli alla norcina. Unfortunately, the cavatelli came out cold and watery --something I later noticed had been mentioned by another Yelper as well, so this doesn't seem like an isolated issue. Overall, the food was fair--nothing terrible, but nothing memorable either. THE SERVICE (1 Star) The service from the bartender (4 stars) was good--friendly and attentive. However, the experience took a sharp turn because of an interaction with the manager. Out of nowhere, he leaned over and asked my girlfriend if she had said something to him. She looked genuinely confused, and he then said she was a "class act" for saying it. The problem is: she hadn't said anything to him at all. The accusation came without context or explanation, and it felt completely unprovoked. The way the manager handled this was inappropriate. He invaded her personal space, came across as rude, and left her feeling intimidated rather than welcomed. Regardless of whatever misunderstanding he thought occurred, that's not how you speak to a customer--especially when no issue was raised in the first place. As we were about to leave, the manager came by again and said there must have been a misunderstanding. It was clear this wasn't a misunderstanding at all, and notably, there was no real apology. My girlfriend also tried to speak with the owner about what happened, but he brushed it off, which was disappointing and dismissive. While the food was just okay, the bigger issue was the management. That interaction--and the lack of accountability afterward--overshadowed the entire visit and seriously impacted what could have been a decent experience. Customer service matters, and unfortunately, the manager missed the mark. read more

Basta Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

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They were able to accommodate our group of 6 on their beautiful shaded outdoor patio that felt like being transported to Italy. All their food is ethical, humane & sustainable and very tasty, though the portions were a little small for the price. The server was very friendly and happy to answer all our questions and they were able to split the check. read more

Basta Restaurant - Sausage & potato ravioli - Italian Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

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Wonderful place! Josephine is an amazing server!! Such a personable representative of the company and 100% the reason I'll be back! Also the butterscotch bread pudding is to die for. Pistachio martini is quite strong, fyi ;) read more

Basta Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

Absolutely fantastic food! Had homemade spaghetti with huge in the shell shrimp, clams and octopus in a rich tomato broth! Gf had AGNOLOTTI with Slowly Braised Angus Beef, Parmigiano Reggiano, Potatoes, Sugo d'Arrosto. All outstanding! read more

Basta Restaurant - Spaghetti with shrimp, clams and octopus - Italian Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

We came to Basta Restaurant for a date night hoping for rustic Italian flavors and a cozy atmosphere, and in many ways the restaurant delivered on that experience. The evening started strong with the wood-fired mussels. The portion size alone was impressive--nearly two pounds of mussels, as our server proudly pointed out. The broth leaned more toward a lighter, soup-like consistency rather than a rich butter jus, but the flavor was excellent. It was deeply garlicky and buttery, making it incredibly satisfying for dipping bread and soaking up every last bit. The only part of the dish that felt slightly off was the bone marrow. I had expected the bone to be split open with the marrow facing up, as many photos online show, but instead it remained tucked inside the bone so we had to fish it out ourselves. A small detail, but it made the experience slightly awkward compared to the otherwise enjoyable starter. For the mains, we ordered the pasta special of the day, which was finished tableside in a cheese wheel. The presentation added a fun theatrical element to the meal. The pasta itself had great flavor and was cooked properly al dente, but unfortunately it was served noticeably cold, which dulled the richness that should have come from the cheese. We also tried the Margherita Classica pizza. The crust had an excellent thin structure and bake--light, crisp, and well executed. Flavor-wise it was classic and balanced, though the cheese had a slightly rubbery texture. It also arrived with only two basil leaves, so I asked for a bit more since I enjoy a stronger herbal note. The highlight of the night was easily the 45-day dry-aged ribeye. At $75 per pound, our cut came in just over two pounds and arrived with an impressive tableside carving presentation. Finished with olive oil, flaky sea salt, cracked black pepper, and juice from a grilled lemon, the flavor was phenomenal--deep, rich, and intensely beefy. The only downside was texture. Because of the heavy dry aging, the meat leaned toward the tougher side and required more chewing than ideal. Still, the flavor, sear, and presentation made it a memorable centerpiece. Dessert sealed the meal on a high note. The butter cake had an incredible crust while remaining perfectly warm and soft in the center. The vanilla ice cream melted quickly against the heat of the cake, but the berry sauce added a bright balance that made the dish incredibly satisfying. Overall, dining at Basta was genuinely enjoyable. The attentive service, easy seating, and engaging tableside presentations made the night feel special. The menu captures rustic Italian flavors well, though some dishes could benefit from tighter execution--particularly temperature control and maximizing the potential of their impressive dry-aged meats. Still, for a relaxed date night with bold flavors and a bit of tableside flair, Basta delivers an experience that's well worth a visit. read more

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Went right when they opened on a weeknight and was seated right away. The food was not overly seasoned and portions were bigger than we thought. Definitely would come back again. read more

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Greeted with friendly and smiling hosts. Assigned a booth and was given bread right away. But our designated serve took a long time to greet us. We finished the bread basket before even getting offered any water. He was short and direct. No smile, eye contact, greeting, or welcoming conversation. It was my family's first time and while they enjoyed the menu picks, they expected more since it was a nice ambience. I've been to the Thousand Oaks location before and had a better experience there. Will continue to come back because the food was fresh and good. read more

Basta Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

To begin the Basta restaurant is a short trek on the 101freeway from our home to the historical Western town of Agoura. You are pleased to find an ample parking lot as you finish ambling along country roads. The Basta restaurant has another location in Thousand Oaks. Both restaurants are a far cry from Italy for the husband and wife owners Saverio and Devan Posaretti, and lucky for us they brought the very fresh, authentic and all around delicious variety of cuisine from Italy to this American Western town. We are first greeted at the door by the affable young friendly host Jackson. Before leading us to our booth on the right hand side, with other booths to our left, and the sight of the outside dinning area straight ahead , Jackson recommends something he didn't get from his most recent trip to Italy , the Fresh amazing pasta dish Cavatelli all Norcina consisting of Black Truffle sauce, unbelievable taste, Basta grilled sausage Pecorino I had to try the Prime New York steak one pound charred Mesquite as rare as I could get it. The words succulent and very juicy come to mind. The friendly and capable server Estaban brings the charred meat to the table on a carving board and precedes to slice the meat into a delicious steak. My Lady and I both had a very unique chopped salad amazingly fresh with the ingredients of chicken, iceberg, Radicchio, Provolone, Pickled Fresno Chile, Roasted Tomatoes, Ceci Olives all wit a lovely light sweet Vinaigrette dressing. It all came together with the strong Provolone added flavor. Desert we shared the home made Butterscotch Pudding that was to die for with Maldon salt and the incomparable caramel sauce. I actually will mention the excellent Craft Pistachio Martini with Vanilla Vodka, Baileys , Whipped Cream, seriously Pistachio liquor, who knew about that existing, Amaretto , and a splash of Blue Curacao. What it was, was a sweet smooth revelation of what to do with the benefits of liquor. I seem to seek out Pistachios in every Italian restaurant we frequent, and yet never had the pleasure of enjoying in our recent trip to Italy. This wonderful restaurant takes their preparation of authentic fresh cuisine to a place that is as good as it gets in a very friendly pleasant atmosphere. We have to return soon. read more

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Great lil Italian Restaurant with a vast selection of menu items. A good wine list as well. The bolognese and lasagna were fantastic and just like grandma used to make. Terrific ambiance and stellar customer service read more

Five Stars All The Way... Food is very good. Appetizers, pasta dishes, meat choices, deserts, drinks, all good. Service is usually good... Usually! Ambiance is a bit crowded and tight but it's got a fun, warm flowing vibe. Bar area is small but cool. Parking lot can be challenging during peak hours especially if the Canyon Club has an event. The restaurant can get very crowded so expect to wait during prime times. Be patient though cause the food is very good. It's definitely on the pricey side. Oh and the pizza is delicious too! I actually love coming here when I can... read more

Fantastic ! I have reviewed this place so much over the years because it's a main staple for me in the area. Both Basta locations are excellent but the Agoura location is still the best for me. The energy always seems more inviting here plus the shopping stores around it make it more traditional. Basta is Always a fun, not overly priced and reliable Italian meal. Everything on the menu is absolutely fantastic. Believe me, I have literally tried it all. Yet on tonights menu, I noticed something new. I tried a new pasta dish, oh it was so spicy and brought new found tastes for me.. absolutely excellent! To get it right, I had to show the dish below. STRASCINATI 3 POMODORI Rolled Handmade Pasta, San Marzano Corbarino Confit Tomatoes, Calabrian Chili Pepper, Parmigiano Reggiano DOP I love that the restaurant occasionally infuses seasonal type dishes to it's consistent lineup. I think that would be even more fantastic if they start doing that more. Imagine, what will be on the menu this upcoming week/month? Your client base would be even more excited and even more driven to come back in. I think the specials and menu could further evolve more creatively/ seasonal but that's just a personal opinion coming from someone who eats a ton of Italian food. Eitherway, always a fantastic meal at Basta. It's also always nice to talk with inviting staff about food and Italy too. Oh, I almost forgot- don't forget to try the butterscotch pudding for desert. Just saying........ Thank you read more

Basta Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

Basta is a cozy and delicious Italian restaurant that's quickly become one of my favorites in the area. The menu has a great variety, and everything we've tried has been fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. Some standouts: the octopus salad -- tender and perfectly seasoned -- and the Wagyu carpaccio, which is rich, delicate, and full of flavor. The pastas are also excellent across the board, each with that authentic, homemade feel that makes Italian food so comforting. Service is friendly and attentive, and the warm, inviting ambiance makes it an ideal spot for a relaxed dinner or date night. A wonderful neighborhood gem and easily one of the best Italian restaurants around. read more

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If you're in Agoura Hills and you haven't been to Basta yet... please fix that immediately. The food here is exceptional -- like consistently top-tier. I've tried so many different dishes over multiple visits and everything has been amazing. Just keep in mind the menu is seasonal, so there's always something new to look forward to (which honestly makes it even better). The customer service is just as impressive. The staff is welcoming, attentive, and genuinely makes you feel taken care of. Alejandro, one of the managers, is absolutely wonderful -- always checking in, making sure everything is perfect, and creating such a warm experience. You can tell they really care about their guests. Ambience-wise? Beautiful and inviting. They offer both indoor and outdoor dining, and it works perfectly whether you're going for lunch or dinner. It's the kind of place that feels elevated but still comfortable. This is hands-down a great spot for: date night catching up with friends family dinners celebrations ...honestly, it works for everything. Now let's talk dessert because WOW. The desserts are to die for. The butter cake and the tiramisu are next level... and that's coming from someone who loves bold flavors (spicy, tangy, salty, sour). These desserts still hit perfectly. There are honestly no words... you just have to try them. Pro tip: get a coffee with dessert. It's the perfect pairing and makes the whole experience even better. My flavor profile (for reference): Umami-forward (savory/salty depth) Acidic / bright (tangy + sour) Pungent & intense (spicy + bitter notes) read more

Basta Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

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I have heard of basta and was so excited to be in the area so I could try it. It is a small cozy restaurant that was so cute inside. We arrived around 5pm and got a table immediately but by 5:30 it was packed and there was a wait. Our waiter was awesome and so knowledgeable with great recommendations and explaining the menu. My husband got the lasagna special and I got the mussels. Every bite was better than the next. It was fresh and flavorful and I just kept wanting more. Every item on the menu looked amazing and I can't wait to go back to try more! They bring you bread to start which was good and a nice way to start your meal. They share a parking lot with quite a few other businesses so parking can be hard but we thankfully found a spot. read more

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It was my first time, and the whole place has such a charming, old school feel, more like a true Italian eatery than a typical restaurant, in the best way. From the moment we arrived, the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, which immediately set the tone. Before even walking in, we watched them rolling out fresh pasta dough right in front of us, making the experience feel even more authentic. Of course, I had to order it, and it did not disappoint. My friends ordered the zucchini noodles, which were beautifully presented and piled high with vegetables. We also shared the grilled octopus salad over arugula, perfectly prepared and honestly my favorite dish. 10/10 I had the cavatelli with Pomodoro sauce, which was simple, fresh, and absolutely delicious. We finished with a gluten free carrot cake that was the perfect sweet ending. Such a special spot with great food and a warm, inviting atmosphere...I can't wait to come back, and next time I'll remember to take photos ;) read more

Had to charge the car and was feeling a little hungry - therefore, decided on Basta for a quick little dinner. They had a wait and so I decided to order it to go. They gladly gave us bread while we wait for our food to be done! I got the Girasoli di Burrata. It didn't take long before the food came and ate it outside. The food was...small. It was a $24 pasta for 6 ravioli pieces. The taste also wasn't impressive and the inside was a little bland. It was disappointing as the reviews say their food was good but maybe next time, if we do decide to eat in - we'll have a better experience. read more

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She's perfect! I had the best experience at Basta because of Lianna. I highly recommend.

Josephine was amazing ... asked her what dessert she would recommend. She said the butterscotch pudding changed her life. We ordered it. And it changed our life! Highly recommend! read more

Cruz is the best waiter at Basta! And the food is equally great! So fun! We had my birthday here and even the plate that said " Basta loves you"! Laurie M read more

Great place, fun vibe, good food, drinks and good service. It was my first time there with friends and young children and we all enjoyed it. Thanks you, Andy! I hope you get to go to Italy soon :) read more

The food as Basta is phenomenal! It's absolutely the best and blows every other Italian spot in the neighborhood out of the water. Josephine was our server and she made the experience top notch. Her pleasant demeanor and knowledge of the menu was outstanding. We can't wait come back! read more

Basta Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

Lianna is a gem! She is very attentive and is always cheerful. We love eating at Basta and look forward to having Lianna as our waitress!

I had the pleasure of dining here yesterday, and wow -- what an experience! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was warm, inviting, and authentically Italian. The staff greeted me like family and made sure every detail was perfect. * Food: Every dish was bursting with flavor. The pasta was cooked to perfection, the sauce rich and layered, and the fresh ingredients really stood out. I especially loved the cavatelli ala norcina. * Service: Attentive without being overbearing. * Ambiance: Cozy, charming, and perfect for both a casual night out or a special occasion. By the end of the meal, I felt like I had been transported straight to Italy. This place is a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic Italian cuisine. I'll definitely be coming back -- and bringing friends! read more

Fine restaurants are a rarity in the TO, Moorpark, Simi Valley area. Lianna was the best service we ever had; not rushy, attentive, checks on you, helps with the whole dining experience. Quality food, as should be like Europe quality. We hope to have Lianna again read more

Had a fantastic lunch at Basta in Agoura Hills. The food was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. The braised meat dish was rich, tender, and full of flavor, with the perfect balance of spice and sauce. The broccolini on the side was fresh, crisp, and seasoned just right. Every bite felt thoughtful and satisfying. The service by Rose matched the quality of the food--friendly, attentive, and welcoming from start to finish. You can tell the staff truly care about the experience. Definitely a spot I'll happily. read more

Basta Restaurant - Good and service AMAZING!!! - Italian Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

Lianna was the most amazing server! She was enthusiastic about the menu and gave great suggestions. She took great care of us. Aside from the amazing food, she made our visit exceptional. Best birthday ever! read more

Lianna was very attentive to our needs. Amazing service and delicious food. She treated us like family.

Lianna was the greatest server I've ever had at any restaurant I've ever been to. Come to basta and request her section. You will not be disappointed read more

Basta Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

Everything was good to great all around. Their salads boast a farm-to-table taste that shines with freshness and high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The artichokes come with a focus on what should be eaten, which is a preference when compared to having to work around the whole plant. The buffalo mozzarella immaculately blends in with the richness of the dish. A ravioli was ordered that was also chef'd into something enjoyable. The tomato sauce achieved the ideal balance of sweetness, tartness, and acidity. Paired with their NY steak and maitake mushrooms, which were also done right, considering how easy it is to overcook them. The buttercake, top tier. The cocktails were on the weaker side, but their wine selections are thoughtfully picked. Service gradually improved as we built on the bill but at no point was it bad. read more

Basta Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

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Came for lunch with coworkers. Located in a plaza with the country club. Started with the octopus salad - wow the portion size was massive. It was very filling l and the octopus was well seasoned and cooked. All the flavors balanced perfectly. The truffle pasta was the favorite, so saucy. Pizza was wood fire grilled, came out hot and meaty. The service was superb. Ambiance is casual but if you are up for it a nice spring or summer dress if you are out with friends or date vibes. Lots of antique shops nearby to check out after. Definitely coming back! read more

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Had a wonderful lunch with my family on Palm Sunday. Twelve of us dining and had a wonderful experience. From the moment we walked in we were greeted with a smile and within minutes we had a table in the back area that felt like private dining. It wasn't too busy so it worked out great. Awesome ambiance with a long table in the middle of the room and windows to the right side. We got cocktails, appetizers and salads to share before our meals. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. We loved the food as usual and had a great time. The steak we ordered was cooked to perfection .... Delishhhhhhhhhhhh Basta is one of our favorite restaurants at the moment. We are telling everyone... their Thousand Oaks location is great as well. Check them out. It's Quality .... read more

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